Preliminary steps in the diagnosis of the pleomorphic adenoma.

Patients with parotid swellings are often first seen in the dental office. The dental practitioner must be able to differentiate a neoplastic lesion from other causes of parotid swelling. Knowledge of the modalities that are available to distinguish the presence of a tumor and whether the tumor is benign or malignant is mandatory. The authors present a case report to illustrate the techniques that are used in the preliminary diagnosis of the benign pleomorphic adenoma. Final diagnosis awaits the microscopic examination of a surgical specimen.